Optimal Extraction of Photovoltaic Model Parameters Using Gravitational Search Algorithm Approach

Extraction of accurate Photo Voltaic (PV) model parameters is a challenging task for PV simulator developers. To mitigate this challenging task a novel approach using Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA) for accurate extraction of PV model parameters is proposed in this paper. GSA is a population based heuristic optimization method which depends on the law of gravity and mass interactions. In this optimization method, the searcher agents are collection of masses which interact with each other using laws of gravity and motion of Newton. The developed PV model utilizes mathematical equations and is described through an equivalent circuit model comprising of a current source, a diode, a series resistor and a shunt resistor including the effect of changes in solar irradiation and ambient temperature. The optimal values of photo-current, diode ideality factor, series resistance and shunt resistance of the developed PV model are obtained by using GSA. The simulations of the characteristic curves of PV modules (SM55, ST36 and ST40) are carried out using MATLAB/ Simulink environment. Results obtained using GSA are compared with Differential Evolution (DE), which shows that GSA based parameters are better optimal when compared to DE.